Monday Night Football ended up being as great of a game as fans could have hoped, aside from the fact that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were on the losing end.
It was a close game where the Bucs played hard, for the most part, and gave the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs everything they could handle. It's no wonder the game ended up in overtime. But, should it have gone into overtime in the first place?
After the Bucs scored with just seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, head coach Todd Bowles made the call to kick the extra point and play for overtime. But, the option to go for two was right there for the taking. It would have been bold, sure, but also may have been the difference between a win and a loss.
Tampa did not go for two, obviously, and the Chiefs would go on to win in overtime as Patrick Mahomes marched the offense down the field to score the go-ahead, game-winning touchdown. Some fans are so upset over the loss and late decision that they want Bowles fired.
Bowles has found his name in these conversations before, but the Bucs were able to turn things around. Now, if Tampa Bay were to really consider firing him at this point, who would they bring in? Whether it's mid-season or after the season, there are a handful of logical names to consider.
Coaching candidates the Bucs could hire in place of Todd Bowles
Liam Coen, Offensive Coordinator
The most sensible option for the Bucs would be to promote offensive coordinator Liam Coen, especially because of the fact that Baker Mayfield hasn't exactly had a strong, consistent benefit of a tenured offensive coordinator. He's seemingly always thrust into change with new coordinators and systems, throughout his career.
Coen has done a great job, thus far, and should be a serious candidate.
More Bucs news:
Ben Johnson, Offensive Coordinator, Detroit Lions
Arguably the hottest coaching candidate, this offseason, will be Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. He's had the Lions offense looking like a juggernaut and is the guru behind Jared Goff's career resurgence. Goff is playing the best football of his career and Detroit is a true Super Bowl favorite.
This hire would only make sense if Coen got a job elsewhere, because thus far, Coen's offense has excelled. Coen's presence makes hiring an offensive-minded head coach a bit tougher, though that's a direction many teams are going these days. It's also another reason why it might make sense for Coen to step right into Bowles' shoes.
Bill Belichick, Former Head Coach, New Enland Patriots
This is a long shot and would be quite a hilarious turn of events, considering Bill Belichick's former quarterback, Tom Brady, recently retired after playing in Tampa Bay. But, his name is going to be a hot one come the offseason. He needs no further explaining as one of the best coaches in league history.
Aaron Glenn, Defensive Coordinator, Detroit Lions
Hiring someone like Belichick or Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn would, again, only make sense if Coen stuck around as the offensive coordinator. Coen is going to make this situation interesting if Bowles were to be fired, because he could be sought after as a coaching candidate as well.
Glenn, though, is another top candidate as Detroit could see both coordinator exit for head coaching jobs. After the New Orleans Saints fired Denniis Allen, Glenn has already been mentioned as a perfect fit, there. He's going to get plenty of attention.
More Tampa Bay Buccaneers news and rumors